As training camp quickly approaches, New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox continues to garner popularity among his team’s fanbase.
The secret was definitely revealed during Kevin Knox‘s electrifying performance at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The New York Knicks‘ rookie forward turned plenty of heads and silenced the doubters who believed the franchise should have taken Michael Porter Jr. ninth overall.
The former Kentucky Wildcat was named to the All-Summer League First Team after being among Vegas’ leaders in scoring at 21.3 points per game, to go with 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists over four games.
His cool and calm demeanor, matched with a fearless offensive attack mindset, kept opponents on their heels throughout the tournament. The Knicks may not have tallied many wins, but they were still successful in showcasing Knox, along with fellow rookie and second round draft pick, Mitchell Robinson.
Knox followed the impressive Summer League with some very optimistic goals for his NBA team heading into the new season. In an interview with the NY Post at his rookie photo shoot, Knox was defiant towards critics that don’t see many wins coming from New York in 2018-19.
"“People are sleeping on us with the 29 wins. I think we definitely can win at least 35 and get in that playoff talk. That’s my personal opinion. Everyone has their own opinion. But the whole team, I’m pretty confident we’re really good this year, that we have a chance to make the playoffs.”"
"“I’m pretty confident I can be one of the top rookies, But one of my goals this year is just to win in New York. I’m not really worried about winning the rookie award. I just want to win as a team, take road games, play some of the top teams and beat them to make the playoffs. Ultimately I want to win. That’s my main focus as my rookie year.”"
Knox has already caught on to the importance of winning over the always tough fanbase of New York City. It’s a fanbase that hasn’t seen much success over the past 15 years, but plenty of heartbreak and embarrassment from team management. His attitude matches the preaching from new Knicks head coach David Fizdale, who is on a mission to change the franchise’s losing culture.
In order to change the mindset of many disgruntled Knicks fans, Knox would need to be out among the community as the new face of hope. He has made appearances with children for the junior NBA league and on Thursday held a meet-and-greet with fans at the NBA Store in New York City. The line for Knox stretched well around the store as Knicks fans eagerly waited for hours to meet their team’s latest ray of hope.
Back to School of Hard Knox. @KevKnox @NBASTORE @nyknicks pic.twitter.com/T04uKjahPt
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) August 30, 2018
The Knicks fanbase has mostly been loyal through rough seasons and Knox must utilize their amazing support for extra motivation throughout his rookie season. Madison Square Garden is a favorite arena of many star basketball players in history because of the energy exuded by the fans.
It will be interesting to see if Knox can remain a crowd favorite or fall into obscurity as the scapegoat.